“One of the most memorable National Park hikes. Heavenly views await at the end of an exposed ridge.”

Dogs
No Dogs

Family Friendly
Though not traditionally considered a "family-friendly" hike, older kids will either love this hike, or be terrified by it (maybe both...). This hike is not suitable for small children.

No cars allowed in Zion Canyon between March and November. You must use one of the Park's frequent shuttles in order to get into the Canyon. Plan to take the shuttle to the Grotto drop off during these peak months. Check here for shuttle updates: nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/…

Overview

Hiking Angel's Landing is a rare experience. The route is as efficient as it is improbable - most of the elevation gain happens on a paved trail leading to an exposed ridge. You'll never forget the view.

Need to Know

Restrooms at Grotto Trail and there is an outhouse at Scout Lookout. Bring water, food, sunsceen and all necessary clothing. The hike is not long, but it's intense full-value. Bring what you need to be safe and comfortable.

Description

From the Grotto shuttle drop-off, look for the signed trail on west side of the road. The trail, somewhat sandy but not hard, crosses the beautiful Virgin River, and bends north to largely follow it. Angel's Landing will be staring right at you. Savor this mellow warmup, because you'll be working hard soon.

As the grade increases, the trail becomes paved leading into the 21 grinding switchbacks called Walter's Wiggle. You'll then transition into the shady depths of Refrigerator Canyon beneath Angel's Landing, then turning back right to enter the final switchbacks to Scout Lookout, where the pavement ends and the real fun begins.

Assess conditions and your comfort with the exposed route ahead. If you are game, continue on the final 1/2 mile to Angel's Landing summit. There are chains anchored by posts as optional assistance when the route is exposed. Grab em if you want. Regardless, you'll feel the rush.

When I did Angel's Landing the weekend before Thanksgiving, 2014, it was a magnificent sunny day, but a chilly wind was blowing big gusts on the top section. it doesn't take much to make you realize how vulnerable you are up there, so be careful.

Exposure eases the last few hundred meters to the summit. Take a seat, stretch, and enjoy the divine view. Proceed back to Grotto trailhead exactly the way you came.

Comment Type:

A beautiful hike and a lot of exposure, but I wouldn't call it difficult. People who have never hiked before do this in flip flops and have a great time. The "scrambling" is a couple of high steps with chains and handholds, away from the edges. Most of the surface you walk on is smooth flat level rock.
Apr 23, 2015

This hike is not for the faint of heart - you are very high up with little support. For those out of shape, this may be more difficult. After climbing two set of steep switchbacks, you'll reach the crest, where you scramble along the spine to the actual landing. There are some fixtures with fences and supports, but those with vertigo or fear of heights may not enjoy this hike.
Mar 24, 2017

A little secret.. I went the day AFTER National Parks free weekend, literally about 8 people sitting on top of Angels Landing. Well worth paying for, not sure if it's always like that after the freebie or I just got lucky but worth a try.....otherwise it can be WAY too crowded. Avoid spring break,3 day weekends and free days unless you like crowds and have infinite patience. Don't tell anyone haha
Oct 12, 2017

Hiking right before New Years in 2013 there was ice on the trail making some steps harrowing, but the chain supports made the hike doable. Plenty of people made it up that day with no problem. I think the trail gets some exposure to sunlight so the snow/ice cover isn't thick compared to other trails in the park.
I did not need crampons and made the hike up wearing a pair of standard winter boots. These boots weren't even designed for hiking.
Nov 13, 2017

Did this in January. Cold, but little snow. I loved it. I flew up and down at speeds people probably thought I was crazy for. Obviously not a hike for people who are afraid of heights, and things of that nature. There are Full drop offs on either side at points where where you are walking is only a foot wide. Amazing hike if you love that kind of thing though.
May 10, 2018